Family & kids

From the joyous chaos of playtime to the heartwarming moments of familial love, the "Family & Kids" section invites you to explore the many facets of family life. It's a space dedicated to sharing stories, advice, and insights about familial bonds that make life meaningful and fulfilling.

Here you can find a variety of topics, each shedding light on the complex and beautiful dynamics of family life. You'll read stories that highlight parenting trials and triumphs, offering perspectives from different walks of life and diverse family structures. Here, we celebrate the unconventional and embrace the unique, recognizing that every family has its own story to tell.

In the "Family & Kids" section, we believe in the importance of lifelong learning. You'll find thought-provoking articles that challenge common misconceptions and encourage open discussion about topics that matter. From understanding the benefits of sleeping in separate beds to navigating the complexities of sibling relationships, we aim to provide you with a fresh look at family dynamics.

Safety and well-being are paramount to us. We share tips and insights from experts that can help ensure your loved ones' safety. Whether it's a swimming instructor warning about the dangers of a seemingly harmless habit or a story highlighting the importance of DNA testing, our articles are designed to inform and educate.

As we explore the world of parenting, we also delve into the joys and challenges of raising children. From celebrity parenting styles to the awe-inspiring resilience of parents searching for their lost child, our articles encapsulate the breadth of experiences that shape the journey of parenthood.

In the spirit of inclusivity, we also shine a light on controversial topics that spark important conversations about parenting decisions. We believe in creating a platform for open dialogue, where everyone can share their views and learn from others.

Overall, the "Family & Kids" section is a celebration of family life in all its forms. It's a space where you can immerse yourself in stories that inspire, educate, and provoke thought. No matter what your family looks like, we hope that our content will resonate with you, offering a deeper understanding of the dynamics that make family life both challenging and rewarding.

Join us as we explore the intricate tapestry of family life, diving into stories that capture the essence of love, resilience, and the undeniable bond that ties us together.

Recent Stories of Family & kids

I Refused to Be Bossed Around by My SIL, and the Family Blew Up

I Refused to Be Bossed Around by My SIL, and the Family Blew Up
hour ago

Many of us have that little ritual that helps us get through a long day. For some people, it’s watching their favorite series or eating a snack, any activity that gives their brain a break and a little dose of fun. For this Reddit user, her nightly relief was eating some ice cream before bed. A simple and sweet act that, unexpectedly, ended up creating drama in her family.

My Sister Wants Me to Give Up My Apartment—Because I Don’t Have Kids

My Sister Wants Me to Give Up My Apartment—Because I Don’t Have Kids
6 hours ago

What if the people who were supposed to protect you were the ones who hurt you the most? For one reader, home wasn’t comfort, it was comparison, favoritism, and feeling invisible next to a “golden child” sibling. The scars ran deep. But a recent family incident ripped those wounds wide open, leaving her shaken, and suddenly fearing for something she never thought she’d have to protect: her own property.

I Refused to Pay for Dad’s Horrible Birthday Cake, Now I’m the Villain

I Refused to Pay for Dad’s Horrible Birthday Cake, Now I’m the Villain
7 hours ago

It’s always tricky when family business and personal expectations collide, especially when it comes to a special event. This is exactly what happened with Daniella, who trusted her sister-in-law’s new baking venture to provide a beautiful cake for her father’s birthday celebration. But things took an unexpected turn. Let’s take a look at Daniella’s story and see if her reaction was justified.

My Stepdaughter Moved in to Help —but Now I’m Living in Fear

My Stepdaughter Moved in to Help —but Now I’m Living in Fear
9 hours ago

We received a letter from Nathaniel, who’s grappling with a challenging situation involving his late wife’s daughter, Sarah. After his wife passed away six months ago, Sarah moved in to care for her mother, but her continued presence and behavior have left Nathaniel feeling uncomfortable and unsure of how to handle things. His children are also growing concerned, and now Nathaniel faces a tough decision: How to support Sarah while also reclaiming his space.

I Stood Up for My Marriage, but My MIL Was One Step Ahead

I Stood Up for My Marriage, but My MIL Was One Step Ahead
10 hours ago

There’s something delicate about the relationship between a wife and her mother-in-law — part family, part rivalry, part tightrope walk. You want to be loved, or at least accepted, but sometimes it feels like you’re always auditioning for a role you never asked for. It starts with small things — advice you didn’t need, opinions you didn’t ask for — and before you know it, the lines between love and control blur.

15 Daycare Moments That Parents and Teachers Are Unlikely to Forget

15 Daycare Moments That Parents and Teachers Are Unlikely to Forget
11 hours ago

Teachers and parents know that even the most ordinary day in daily care is never boring. Children constantly surprise them with their actions, words and unconventional view of the world. And some moments are remembered for years to come, becoming part of family stories.

My Ex Tried to Replace Me as a Mom—But I Refused to Be Erased

My Ex Tried to Replace Me as a Mom—But I Refused to Be Erased
16 hours ago

Parenting after divorce is never easy. Even when custody is split 50/50 and both parents promise to co-parent peacefully, reality often has its own plans. One mom thought she and her ex were doing everything “right” — until she started noticing the quiet ways she was being pushed out of her son’s life. What began as subtle changes — fewer updates, less involvement — slowly turned into something far more painful: the feeling of being replaced not just as a co-parent... but as a mother. This is her story.

I Excluded My MIL From My Childbirth—She Is Not My Priority

I Excluded My MIL From My Childbirth—She Is Not My Priority
18 hours ago

Families are where we first learn to love, and where we often first learn to scream into a pillow. Between the guilt-trips, unsolicited advice, and 27 unread messages from Aunt Marina about your “life choices,” it’s clear: family boundaries aren’t just helpful, they’re necessary for survival.When a Reddit user had their first baby, they expected sleepless nights, diaper disasters, and the occasional emotional breakdown. What they didn’t anticipate was that their biggest challenge would come from two unexpected sources: Grandma and Grandpa.

I Refused to Help My Stepdaughter’s Sick Baby—It Ended Badly

I Refused to Help My Stepdaughter’s Sick Baby—It Ended Badly
20 hours ago

Building a relationship with a stepchild can be one of the most rewarding challenges in a blended family. You pour your heart into connecting, creating memories, and showing them that you’re there for them, no matter what. But what happens when, despite your best efforts, you’re always left feeling like an outsider? This is the emotional journey of one woman who tried for years to bond with her stepdaughter, only to realize that sometimes, no matter how much you give, it’s never enough.

My DIL Cut Me Out of the Family Trip—But I Wasn’t Going Quietly

My DIL Cut Me Out of the Family Trip—But I Wasn’t Going Quietly
day ago

Family gatherings can bring out the best—and sometimes the worst—in us. We all want to feel included, appreciated, and loved, especially by those we’ve supported through life’s ups and downs. But what happens when the people closest to us suddenly draw a line that leaves us standing on the outside? It’s a situation many can relate to, yet it still cuts deeply every time it happens.

My Fiancé Gave His Mom Part of Our House — I’m Feeling Betrayed

My Fiancé Gave His Mom Part of Our House — I’m Feeling Betrayed
day ago

We recently received a letter from Helen, who thought she was building a future with her fiancé—until one phone call turned everything upside down. Despite putting in half the money for their new home, she discovered her name wasn’t even on the deed. What followed was a jaw-dropping mix of gaslighting, entitlement, and a mother-in-law who’d already made herself the queen of the castle.

I Refused to Let My Stepson Stay After Realizing What He Was Hiding

I Refused to Let My Stepson Stay After Realizing What He Was Hiding
day ago

We received a letter from Claire, who’s dealing with a delicate situation involving her stepson and daughter. While her stepson has always stayed with them on weekends, her daughter recently became uncomfortable with his visits. After Claire discovered something strange in his room, the situation grew even more confusing. She’s now questioning her actions and what steps to take next.

Trending stories of Family & kids

My Ex’s Wife Made My Teen Babysit Their Baby All Night—So I Took Drastic Action

My Ex’s Wife Made My Teen Babysit Their Baby All Night—So I Took Drastic Action
2 months ago

Raising children presents plenty of obstacles, particularly when stepfamilies are involved and roles aren’t clearly defined. It’s quite natural for parents to be concerned about their children’s welfare, especially when they sense that their child is being treated unjustly. Rules, discipline methods, and expectations often differ from one home to another, which can result in tough choices and emotional tension. Recently, a worried mother contacted us to describe a difficult situation with her teenage daughter and her former husband’s new household, hoping to receive some helpful advice.

10 Daughters-in-Law Whose Actions Shattered Family Harmony

10 Daughters-in-Law Whose Actions Shattered Family Harmony
3 months ago

There’s a well-known cliché about mothers-in-law being tough on their sons’ wives just because they’re new to the family. But not all daughters-in-law are sweet and innocent, either. We’ve collected 10 real-life stories that show some daughters-in-law can go out of their way to stir up tension in the family.

15 Family Vacation Stories That Went Off the Rails Fast

15 Family Vacation Stories That Went Off the Rails Fast
2 months ago

Vacations are supposed to bring families closer, but sometimes, they just blow everything up. One moment you’re sharing sunscreen, the next someone’s airing a decades-old secret over dinner or storming off into the woods in flip-flops. These family trip moments will make you rethink inviting anyone to the next reunion.

10 Parents Who Take Boundaries and Smash Them Into Dust

10 Parents Who Take Boundaries and Smash Them Into Dust
3 months ago

How far is too far? Is it fine to show up to a wedding and have a kid playing games loudly through the vows? Or is it no problem that your MIL is snooping through your hospital bag? These are just a few boundary-busting stories about parents who just can’t seem to understand the word “no.”

My Husband Insisted I Put My Gravely Ill Mom in a Nursing Home, I Made Him Taste His Own Medicine

My Husband Insisted I Put My Gravely Ill Mom in a Nursing Home, I Made Him Taste His Own Medicine
2 months ago

Sarah, 39, wrote to the Bright Side editorial team with a story that strikes at the heart of love, loyalty, and betrayal. For years, she cared selflessly for her husband’s ailing mother—cooking for her, driving her to appointments, even giving up her own space to ensure the woman’s comfort. So when Sarah’s own mother fell seriously ill, she expected the same support in return. Instead, her husband coldly suggested a nursing home. The ultimatum stunned her—but Sarah didn’t back down. Furious and heartbroken, she decided to teach her arrogant husband a lesson he would never forget.

I Refuse to Help My Pregnant Sister—Now My Whole Family Is Against Me

I Refuse to Help My Pregnant Sister—Now My Whole Family Is Against Me
month ago

Having a favorite child as a parent is quite common, although it can affect the relationship between siblings and have a bad impact on the less favored child. It gets more complicated if the golden child is not as perfect as everyone thought. But to prove the truth is not always easy if you don’t have the same treatment from your parents.

My Brother Excluded My Son Out of His Child-Free Wedding but Invited His Little Cousins

My Brother Excluded My Son Out of His Child-Free Wedding but Invited His Little Cousins
year ago

Weddings are a celebration of love, but they can also be a stressful time for the bride and groom and their family. In today’s story, one woman went online to vent about her brother’s big day. His decision to exclude her son from his child-free wedding left her with a mix of confusion, hurt, and family discord. This story delves into the delicate balance of family dynamics and wedding planning.

Mom Excluded Me From Her Birthday Party—I Didn’t Look Good for My Sister’s Boyfriend

Mom Excluded Me From Her Birthday Party—I Didn’t Look Good for My Sister’s Boyfriend
3 weeks ago

Family is supposed to be your safe place. The people who see you, support you, love you without asking you to perform or prove anything. But what if love feels conditional? If you’re praised for achievements but not heard when you say, “I’m tired” or “I need space.”We got a letter recently from a guy in his mid-twenties. His story isn’t explosive or dramatic. But it hits, because it’s real. It’s about feeling invisible even while you’re giving your all. About setting boundaries with the people who raised you, and wrestling with guilt for needing to.

11 Family Secrets That Read Like a Hollywood Tragedy

11 Family Secrets That Read Like a Hollywood Tragedy
month ago

Families are full of stories, some funny, some sweet, and some that stay hidden for years. Every now and then, a secret comes out that feels too dramatic or emotional to be real, like something from a movie. These are the kind of stories that make you stop and say, “Wait, what?” In this article, you’ll find a collection of short, true-sounding tales from people who discovered shocking, strange, or touching family secrets. They’re simple, personal, and unforgettable.

Best of the Week of Family & kids

8 Signs You Grew Up in a Toxic Family

8 Signs You Grew Up in a Toxic Family
5 years ago

Tantrums, anxiety, hiding real emotions, and low self-esteem — sadly, some parents manage to pass down all of these negative qualities to their kids. Their egoism and indifference toward their children’s feelings make a huge impact on them in their childhood. As a result, kids start to criticize themselves, feel helpless, and have problems in their social lives.

I Refuse to Trade My Retirement Dreams for Babysitting Duties

I Refuse to Trade My Retirement Dreams for Babysitting Duties
2 weeks ago

Hitting retirement age is something a lot of people dream about—it’s supposed to be your time to relax. But for one woman, those plans didn’t last long. Just as she was getting ready to enjoy her freedom, she was suddenly expected to jump back into babysitting duties. What was meant to be a well-earned break turned into unexpected parenting all over again.

My MIL Offered Me $80k To Leave My Husband — I Made Her Regret About It

My MIL Offered Me $80k To Leave My Husband — I Made Her Regret About It
11 months ago

Navigating family relationships can be difficult, especially when it involves in-laws. Many couples struggle with stress and conflict due to parents who are overly involved. Achieving a balanced approach is essential when one partner feels torn between their spouse and their controlling parents.

10+ Family Secrets That Could Trend on Google

10+ Family Secrets That Could Trend on Google
2 months ago

Sometimes the most shocking stories don’t come from strangers—they come from the people sitting across the dinner table. These quick, honest confessions show just how much can stay hidden in plain sight. From long-lost relatives to double lives nobody saw coming, these personal tales prove that every family has its own quiet headline waiting to go viral. No drama for the cameras—just the kind of secrets that make you want to call your mom and ask a few extra questions.

17 Kids With Gut-Wrenching Memories From Past Lives

17 Kids With Gut-Wrenching Memories From Past Lives
year ago

Our existence has a puzzling aspect that our aware mind can’t grasp. We’re also unsure about how kids can recall their supposed “past lives,” if that’s even a genuine thing. However, the stories we heard today sent shivers down our spines and certainly sparked many questions in our minds.

I Refuse to Delay My Retirement to Help My Sick Daughter

I Refuse to Delay My Retirement to Help My Sick Daughter
3 weeks ago

Retirement is something many people look forward to after spending decades working hard and caring for others. It’s a time to finally rest, enjoy life, and focus on personal dreams that may have been put on hold. But for some, reaching this stage comes with unexpected challenges and difficult decisions—especially when family responsibilities don’t stop, even after the job does. Recently, one reader wrote to Bright Side to share her emotional story about facing this very situation.

Monthly Top Picks of Family & kids

13 Celebrities Who Chose to Become Moms Later in Life

13 Celebrities Who Chose to Become Moms Later in Life
2 years ago

In the modern world, many women choose to become mothers later in life. And celebrities are no exception here. Some of them decided to become first-time mothers in their forties or later, and they are so happy to welcome their much-anticipated babies.

My Wife Earns More Than Me But Refuses to Help My Elderly Parents

My Wife Earns More Than Me But Refuses to Help My Elderly Parents
year ago

A 35-year-old man reached out to us to share a challenging situation he's facing within his family. He expressed his frustration over his wife's refusal to assist his parents financially and support them. He's puzzled by her behavior, especially considering how differently she treats her own parents.

My Mom Thought She Could Do Whatever She Wanted—Not in My Home

My Mom Thought She Could Do Whatever She Wanted—Not in My Home
5 months ago

A parent’s #1 job is to protect their child, but what if the greatest danger comes from within the family? After multiple close calls, one parent cut ties with his mother for good. Now, 13 years later, the debate rages on: Was he right to walk away, or was the punishment too harsh? Read on and decide for yourself.

I Got a Big Inheritance From My Grandparents, My Mom Begs Me to Use It to Help My Suffering Family, I Refuse

I Got a Big Inheritance From My Grandparents, My Mom Begs Me to Use It to Help My Suffering Family, I Refuse
6 months ago

Money often serves as the catalyst for breaking even the strongest of bonds. Instances where disputes over inheritance transform familial love into animosity are unfortunately common. Such was the experience of today’s protagonist, who shared her complex story on Reddit. In her case, money didn’t just divide her family—it became a tool of justice against those who had mistreated her throughout her life. Now, those same individuals are begging her for help to survive.

My 16-Year-Old Stepdaughter Got Pregnant and I Decided to Teach Her a Cruel Lesson

My 16-Year-Old Stepdaughter Got Pregnant and I Decided to Teach Her a Cruel Lesson
4 months ago

Teen pregnancy is never easy. Raising a child is expensive, exhausting, and life-changing—even for adults with stable jobs. So, for teenagers still figuring out their own future, the challenge is even greater. That’s exactly what happened when a 16-year-old girl found out she was pregnant.Her biological mother—who was also a teen mom—was thrilled, seeing it as history repeating itself in a sentimental way. But her stepmother saw things differently. To her, this wasn’t just another life event—it was a complete shift in responsibility the teen wasn’t prepared for. The woman turned to Reddit with her story and asked people for their opinions about the hard life lesson she decided to teach her teen stepdaughter.